I have had the “pleasure” of using them in the field so I can pass along some practical experience-based info.
You pay a service to drop it off and put blue juice in the tank. The chemical is supposed to make you think it breaks down the solids and reduces odors. I does – in about 1000 years!. From the first day it is used until the day it is picked, up the stench is horrendous, even with the vent tubes and the door propped open. On the left side wall as you walk in there is a molded white catch basin that looks like a sink. It isn’t. It’s a urinal for men, but in our case guys are supposed to pee out in the bushes.
The toilet seat is molded plastic that sits on top of the 100 gallon tank with a hole on top. When you look down you’ll see the blue sludge consisting of everything deposited by everyone who came before you. A glance is all you need to see the mound of droppings that range from loose to rabbit pellets, from worms to logs. That is peppered with toilet paper, tampons, and other unmentionables all fermenting in the blue-brown goo.
If you are in there for more than a minute you will eventually have to inhale. The stench is enough to make you regret having the nasal polyp surgery that fixed your sense of smell.
Depending upon the temperature and number of people the service will come and replace it for a fee. Typically the rate is about one week for 20 people.
I’d like to offer a placement tip. Keep it in the shade if you can, and face the door away from the group. You will not be able to see the “Occupied/Vacant” symbol so come up with something else like a piece of wood leaning against the side. That way people can use it with the door open After 2 days the fresh air will outweigh the loss of privacy.
The experience will help you appreciate the human condition.
You willlearn that few things are as underrated as a good s**t.
Enjoy! .